The place

Quarry Bank House sits within a dramatic, steeply sloping site, with far-reaching views across the surrounding landscape. The garden’s varied levels and strong sense of elevation create both challenges and opportunities, shaping a setting in which the relationship among house, garden, and wider landscape is central to the design.

The brief

The clients approached us after seeing a similar project on our website and recognising our experience with multi-level and sloping gardens. Their brief was open and exploratory, with a desire to discover different spaces as they move through the garden.

Although the house enjoys spectacular views, the clients were keen that the design focus primarily on the garden itself, drawing the wider landscape closer to the home rather than relying solely on distant views. With a shared appreciation for both formal and informal garden styles, they wanted a space that felt varied, purposeful, and adaptable to different uses — from social gatherings and business meetings to quiet family time.

A key part of the brief was to create a natural flow from the house into the garden, ensuring the outdoor spaces felt like an extension of the home while responding practically and creatively to the significant changes in level across the site.

The design

The garden was designed as a sequence of distinct destinations, each offering a different experience as the site unfolds. Changes in level are carefully managed through a combination of terraces, steps, and planting, turning the slope into a defining feature rather than a limitation.

A range of seating and functional areas are positioned throughout the garden, allowing the space to be used in different ways throughout the day and for different occasions. Planting is used to soften structures, frame views, and guide movement, helping to balance moments of openness with more intimate, enclosed spaces.

Environmental considerations played an important role in the design. Wherever possible, existing materials were reused to reduce waste and minimise environmental impact. All soil was retained on site and reworked to improve drainage, manage levels, and support increased biodiversity, while still allowing the creation of the spaces the clients wished to enjoy.

The result is a layered, engaging garden that responds sensitively to its setting, transforms a challenging slope into a strength, and offers a rich sequence of spaces designed to be explored, used, and enjoyed over time.